Battle of Argentovaria

Coordinates: 48°04′54″N 7°21′20″E / 48.081667°N 7.355556°E

Battle of Argentovaria
Part of Roman-Alamanni conflict
DateMay 378
LocationArgentovaria, near Colmar,
modern  France
Result Decisive Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Empire Lentienses
Commanders and leaders
Mallobaudes
Nannienus
Priarius†
Strength
Unknown 40,000.[1]
Casualties and losses
Unknown 35,000 dead[1]

The Battle of Argentovaria or Battle of Argentaria was fought in May 378 between the Roman Empire and the invading army of the Lentienses, a branch of the Alamanni, at Argentovaria (near Colmar, France). The Alemanni were overwhelmed by the Roman legionaries, though they stood their ground bravely. Only 5,000 escaped from the field and Priarius was slain. With this defeat, the Lentienses disappear from history.

The king of the Lentienses, Priarius, died during the battle. Emperor Gratian, who had given the command of the army for the battle to Nannienus and Mallobaudes, gained the title of Alemannicus Maximus.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Ammianus Marcellinus, 'History, Book 31.10.2', trans. Walter Hamilton, Penguin Books, 1986